Local couple named Main Street Champions

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS - LeRoy and Gale Roberson of Waynesville were honored Jan. 31 as 2012 Main Street Champions at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Ceremony in Salisbury.

LeRoy and Gale Roberson of Waynesville were honored Jan. 31 as 2012 Main Street Champions at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Ceremony in Salisbury.

The Robersons were selected by the Downtown Waynesville Association for the recognition in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Along with Champions from 30 other communities, they received a certificate commemorating this designation, presented by N.C. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dale Carroll and Office of Urban Development Director Liz Parham.

Established in 2000 as part of North Carolina Main Street’s 20th anniversary celebration, the Main Street Champion designation acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of the people who have played pivotal roles in the revitalization of their downtowns. The dedication and hard work of countless volunteers is required to make a local Main Street program successful.

Each of the state’s active Main Street programs is given the opportunity annually to recognize a local Main Street Champion. The addition of this year’s honorees brings the total number of North Carolina Main Street Champions to 500.

“Main Street Champions are those individuals who lead by example. Whether they renovate a building, open a business, volunteer their services, or rally the troops, they step out in front and encourage others to follow. They are recognized for the dedication to their communities that furthers the efforts of downtown revitalization,” said Parham.

The Robersons have owned downtown Waynesville’s Haywood Optometric Care and have supported downtown revitalization through their respective service to the Town of Waynesville and the Downtown Waynesville Association, according to the DWA.

"As an alderman for 11 years, LeRoy supported numerous projects in the district, including construction of a new parking deck, Town Hall and police department; renovation of the historic municipal building; and establishment of the Waynesville Public Art Commission," the DWA stated in a press release. "He was ever mindful of the impact his decisions as an alderman had on the economic growth and historic character of downtown."

Gale has been a member of DWA's board of directors since 2004 and secretary since 2006. She has served on the nominations committee and volunteered at numerous events as well.

Main Street is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation.